Robert Edward Kruse, age 80, of Malvern

    Robert Edward Kruse, age 80, of Malvern, died on Sept. 29, 2009, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs. Graveside services were held Friday, Oct. 2 at the Malvern Cemetery. Rev. Carl Phillips of Malvern United Methodist Church officiated. Military honors were presented by the Gordon May American Legion Post 439 of Silver City and the Harry Hammons American Legion Post 520 of Malvern. Taps played by Tracy Ryan, bugler.

    One of two children of Edward Carl Kruse and Mildred LaRue (Sell) Kruse, he was born on April 28, 1929, on his parent’s farm near Silver City.  He grew up and attended country school through the eighth grade at Silver Creek District No. 8 and walked or rode horseback the mile to school each day.  He graduated from Silver City High School in 1946 and was valedictorian of his class.  He attended Iowa State University in Ames, returning home to assist with the family farm.  He joined the United States Air Force on Dec. 27, 1950, and served in Newfoundland with the Aircraft Warning and Control Division.  After his discharge on Feb. 11, 1954, he returned home to farming.

    He and Eloise Arden Price were married on Sept. 13, 1958, at the Little Brown Church in the Vale at Nashua.  They made their home on the family farm north of Silver City where he grew up learning to tend the land.  Their marriage was blessed with a daughter, Karen Marie. In 1965, the family moved to live in Malvern, and he commuted to the farm daily.  Mr. Kruse was a pilot and loved flying and had an airstrip on his farm. A big enjoyment was spending Sunday morning with his flying buddies at the Red Oak Airport.  He and his wife were married 48 years at the time of her death on Feb. 11, 2007, at the Manor of Malvern.  Bob continued to live in Malvern and make his daily visits to the farm. He enjoyed visiting with friends at the local coffee shops. He was a 55-year member of the Silver City American Legion.   

    Mr. Kruse was preceded in death by his parents; and wife Ellie. He is survived by his daughter Karen Sinner and husband Perry of Macedonia; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister Bonnie Mansfield of Malvern; other relatives and friends.

    Mansfield-Hertz Funeral Home of Malvern was in charge of arrangements.